Lincoln Memorial Pool vandalized with ‘86 47’ graffiti amid Trump’s makeover

WASHINGTON, DC: The US Park Police have launched an investigation as a large display of graffiti reading “86 47” was found at the now-empty Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which is currently undergoing a high-profile renovation.

The authorities were made aware of the vandalism at around 7.20 am on Friday, May 1. The graffiti, which measured roughly 15 by 30 feet, featured the numbers “86 47” spray-painted onto the site, as per the Washington Examiner.

“86” is a widely used slang term in the restaurant industry to signal that something should be removed or is unavailable. However, some have interpreted the phrase “86 47” as a veiled threat toward Donald Trump, the 47th commander-in-chief.

The National Park Service condemned the act, calling it “unacceptable” and stating that it “will not be tolerated on federal lands.”

Trump’s Lincoln Memorial Pool renovation plan

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, located in Washington, DC, is currently undergoing a major reconstruction as a part of a beautification project ordered by Trump and overseen by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

The renovation will see a blue base installed along the pool floor, meant to reflect the American flag, while sealing off a leaking granite foundation underneath.

The Interior Department, which provided the same statement as the US Park Police, is working to complete the project ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations this summer.

Earlier this year, Trump tore into the previous administration for the current condition of the memorial, promising that the site would be completely restored by the Fourth of July.

“Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and I are working on fixing the absolutely filthy Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This work was supposed to be done by the Biden Administration, but Sleepy Joe doesn’t know what ‘CLEAN’ or proper maintenance is — The President and Secretary do!”

James Comey’s indictment over ‘86 47’ Instagram post

The vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial pool came on the heels of former FBI Director James Comey’s indictment in the Eastern District of North Carolina over a social media post showing seashells arranged to read the same phrase “86 47.”

Prosecutors alleged the image constituted a threat to “take the life of, and to inflict bodily harm upon” Trump, arguing a reasonable viewer would interpret it as such.

Comey was also charged with transmitting the alleged threat across state lines.

However, Comey has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has denied any wrongdoing. He said he did not understand the numbers to be threatening and believed the post was a political message rather than a call for violence.

His lawyer, Patrick Fitzgerald, said they would seek dismissal of the case, arguing “selective and vindictive prosecution.”